Accounts show Labour takes workers for fools

“The
latest set of Government accounts show that Labour is
continuing to take workers for fools,” says National Party
Finance spokesman John Key.

“According to the figures out
today, individual tax revenue has jumped to $14.3 billion.
That’s $800 million higher than for the same eight months
last year.

“On average, each individual taxpayer has
forked over $260 more in tax this year than for the same
period last year.

“Coupled with yesterday’s announcement
that cuts are looming because of the extravagant waste in
the state sector, this is further evidence that it is
possible to run a large surplus and substantially increase
spending.

“In other words, it makes a mockery of Michael
Cullen’s argument that National can’t afford to offer tax
relief.

“Labour has recklessly committed vast amounts of
our money to poor quality spending and growing its
bureaucracy. There has been no emphasis on a corresponding
increase in productivity or service.

“In the
meantime, Dr Cullen has squandered the opportunity to
provide Kiwi taxpayers with a fairer tax system that rewards
hard work and enterprise.

“Labour needs to get smart.
There is clearly room for tax cuts if the Government was
more disciplined about the way it is spending our
money.

“The BPS and the Treasury’s Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update show we can deliver our promises while running sustainable surpluses and paying down debt...

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